Four restaurants I still haven't tried, but need to

The way restaurants pop up and down around the Upstate, it's not wonder we have not tried them all. Despite all efforts, getting out to the many, many eateries around Anderson, Clemson, Seneca, Easley, Abbeville, Pendleton, Powdersville and, of course, Greenville is an impossible task.

But that doesn't mean we won't try. Much like a vacation trip to Charleston or a ride to Atlanta, there has to be some planning involved. So, here are the restaurants I still have not visited, but will make a plan to do so this summer.

Vangeli's, Seneca

I had the chance to interview the owner of Vangeli's once, but never got to try the food. However, based on his descriptions of the fare, I have to get there before the summer is out. Located on Ram Cat Alley, Vangeli's is fine dining featuring rack of lamb, seared halibut, giant scallops and an array of items you won't get anywhere else. It's more of a date night spot, perhaps, than a spur-of-the-moment restaurant, but if you look at the Vangeli's Facebook page and check out the menu, I think you will feel the same way I do. And I have learned that they have a partnership with BREWS on the Alley, a craft beer and coffee shop, where Vangeli's will deliver items from a special menu to the customers there.

Elkmont Tap and Cellar, Clemson

Anyone who reads my writings knows my love of craft beer. Well, it turns out Clemson is going big on the craft beer scene and one of the new players is Elkmont Tap and Cellar. The taproom and restaurant focuses on craft beers but also offers gourmet sandwiches, desserts and small plates. Out of the dozen sandwiches on the menu, I found six I would have a hard time choosing between. And the rustic-looking atmosphere along with the 15 taps make it a must-stop.

Elkmont Tap and Cellar in Clemson(Photo: Elkmont Tap and Cellar)

Happy Donkey Mexican Grill, Anderson

The name alone has me wanting to visit Happy Donkey this summer. It's hard to say if it's the smoked meats they sometimes offer or the specialty drinks they create at the bar, but Happy Donkey just seems like a happy place to be at any given moment. It's on South Main Street in Anderson and can be easy to miss if you aren't looking for it, but if you get around the 3000 block of the street and track it down, stop in and hopefully you will see me in there chowing down on some grilled shrimp, a massive margarita or whatever queso they can bring me.

Zen Ramen and Sushi Burrito, Clemson

This is the newest addition to the Clemson dining scene and has to be the one I am most looking forward to. The folks from Sake Zen in Anderson are said to have started this gem and it features classic ramen (not the stuff you ate in college) and some pretty unique takes on sushi and burritos. Located on Calhoun Memorial Highway, this spot could be one that I take the family to on a weekly basis just so I can fulfill my cravings when they come. And who can say no to something called the Ramen Burrito. Who, I ask.